Janitors march through Philly to mark 25th anniversary of fight

More than 100 janitors who are part of 32BJ marched today in commemoration of a 1990 Los Angeles rally that was broken up by police.

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Around 100 janitors, all members of the SEIU 32BJ service workers union, marched through Center City to the Pennsylvania Convention Center to denounce unfair employment practices on Wednesday.

The rally was meant to mark the 25th anniversary of a rally on June 15, 1990 in Los Angeles, when janitors protesting were injured by police officers breaking up the protest.

Philly janitors affiliated with 32BJ are currently in contract negotiations. During the march they rallied outside the offices of CleanTech, inside the Academy of Natural Science, and at the Convention Center where executives were meeting.

"CleanTech is not a responsible contractor and does not pay family-sustaining wages to its non-unionized workers. Union cleaners do the same work, make a livable wage, are provided benefits, and are able to support their families and communities," said 32BJ in a statement. "Teva, a billion dollar pharmaceutical company recently terminated ten union workers, for who make less than $12 an hour in what they say was a cost-cutting move."